Woman told to pay in assault

Restitution also includes doctor bills, medical tests, clothes and jewelry.

Restitution also includes doctor bills, medical tests, clothes and jewelry.

August 23, 2006|CAROL DRAEGER Tribune Staff Writer

NILES -- A Niles woman accused of biting and assaulting another woman was ordered to pay $892.60 to cover the costs of a manicure and HIV testing for the victim. Berrien County Trial Court Judge Charles LaSata ordered Jacinda Myers, 18, to pay for the doctor bills and repair to clothes, jewelry, hair and nails that she allegedly damaged while scuffling with another woman June 19. The restitution hearing was held Monday in Trial Court in the South County Building in Niles. According to a police report, Myers, who was charged with a misdemeanor for the unprovoked assault, punched Alveta Patterson in the eye and bit her finger and leg. When questioned by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Rhoa, Patterson listed a number of items that needed to be replaced after she was assaulted, including a license plate on her car, sunglasses, sandals, her clothes and jewelry. Patterson said her skin was broken when she was bitten and her doctor conducted an HIV test and said she will undergo more tests in the future. Patterson also said she broke a few nails while warding off the attack, which cost about $37 for a new manicure. LaSata said awarding money for fixing a ruined manicure isn't common, but he said in this instance it's warranted. Staff writer Carol Draeger: cdraeger@sbtinfo.com (269) 687-7005A